Jason Vena of Acceptance picks 5 movies to pair with ‘Phantoms/Twenty’
In Pairings, artists and creators pick the movies that complement their latest work.
Jason Vena is the lead singer of the pop punk band Acceptance. Their new album Phantoms/Twenty, a rerecorded and remastered version of their debut 2006 album Phantoms, is out now wherever you get your music!
We asked Jason to pick a few movies that pair well with the album.
As a huge movie fan, it was a lot of fun to think about how Phantoms may have been influenced by my formative years going to drive-in theaters and searching through box covers at Blockbuster Video. I settled on an ‘80s-themed exploration into how some of my favorite movies connect to the themes found in Phantoms.
The Thing (1982)
I chose The Thing for its exploration into the haunting impermanence of love and identity—where what we hold closest can shift, vanish, or betray. As it is in Phantoms, love is buried beneath paranoia, as trust decays, echoing the fear of loving something that might not be what it seems. Together, both works exist in that fragile space where love is both a lifeline and a ghost—ethereal, fleeting, and never fully within reach. It’s a plus that the movie poster just feels like it could have been an ‘80s stand-in for the Phantoms artwork. A song like “In the Cold” comes to mind when thinking of the themes presented in The Thing.
Top Gun (1986)
This is all about redemption as a journey through loss and personal transformation. Maverick’s arc is driven by his journey to reclaim confidence and identity as a pilot after Goose’s death. His redemption comes through his acceptance of responsibility, his ability to find purpose, and ultimately his decision to move forward. Similarly, Phantoms deals with emotional weight and the haunting presence of unresolved pasts. Multiple songs throughout the album echo the internal battles and the longing for closure found in Top Gun. The movie epically externalizes redemption through action, heroism, and F-14 Tomcats. Phantoms internalizes it, exploring the quieter, more introspective aspects of healing. In the end, both show that redemption isn’t about erasing the past, but finding the strength to live with it and grow beyond it. I think “Different” would be a fitting track to pair with Top Gun.
The Princess Bride (1987)
I have always enjoyed how The Princess Bride portrays true love as unwavering, idealistic, and victorious. Never more present than when it is presented through the epic devotion between Westley and Buttercup. A love that endures death, time, and fantastic peril. Although most of the love themes found in Phantoms are told in a more haunting and introspective manner, I feel a song like “So Contagious” embodies many of the same characteristics found in The Princess Bride.
Stand By Me (1986)
A formative movie for me. Through their journey, the protagonists experience moments of vulnerability, bonding, and the harsh realities of life. Similarly, Phantoms captures the inner conflict of navigating relationships and personal growth. Both the film and album underscore that growing up involves confronting uncomfortable truths—whether about oneself, friends, or the world. A song like “This Conversation is Over” comes to mind in this case.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
For me, an ‘80s-themed Phantoms comparison wouldn’t be complete without a John Hughes movie. Both works dive into the emotional turbulence of relationships, capturing the vulnerability and longing that come with seeking genuine love. Of the 5 movies listed, Pretty in Pink does the best at using a coming-of-age narrative to depict love and sincerity as a hard-won truth. Both the movie and the album are grounded in identity, authenticity, and the idea that sincere connection transcends superficial barriers. I could see “The Letter” or “Glory/Us” fitting perfectly with this movie.